Human rights organizations demand action over Majengo shooting as 37 injured in chaos
A group of human rights organizations condemned police action during a protest against a fatal shooting in Majengo, Nairobi County.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission and Kamkunji Human Rights Defenders demanded an immediate end to the use of lethal force by police and added the right to protest must be upheld.
“We also demand that IPOA launch an investigation into the officers responsible for these shootings and ensure those found guilty face justice.”
“We will continue monitoring the situation and gathering evidence to ensure accountability,” the two agencies said in a statement.
At lead 37 people were injured during the protests that broke out after the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in the area.
A second victim was found with stab wounds in the area on Wednesday.
The statement shared by Amnesty International said one of the victims, Dennis Muthui, is at the Nairobi Funeral Home, while the whereabouts of the third body remain unknown after police took it away.
“Six are currently receiving treatment at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Another victim, Trevis Masiva, has been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.”
“One person has since been discharged from Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
We demand an immediate end to the use of lethal force by police. The right to protest must be upheld,” the statement said.
Kamkunji MP Yusuf Hassan called for probe into the shooting.
He said the senseless killing of Ibrahim Ramadan Chege, a 17 year-old youth from Kamukunji, is a tragedy that deeply saddens and angers him.
“I strongly condemn the murder of Ibrahim, who was shot in the head by a police officer in Majengo yesterday evening and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. His life, full of potential, was cruelly cut short.”
“This is not an isolated incident. Ibrahim’s death highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice within the national police service. I demand a swift and thorough investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) into this horrific act. The officer responsible must be apprehended and held accountable for his actions,” he said.
The Kenya Red Cross said it attended to 37 casualties following the protests with two critically injured individuals evacuated to Kenyatta National Hospital and one to Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
Kenya Red Cross said that it had set up a triage post at Riatha Mosque to provide immediate medical assistance.
“This morning, Kenya Red Cross first responders attended to 37 casualties following protests in Majengo, Nairobi. Two critically injured individuals were evacuated by EMS Kenya to Kenyatta National Hospital, while one was taken to Pumwani Maternity. Our teams set up a triage post at Riatha Mosque to provide immediate medical assistance,” the statement read.
The victim was buried after a chaotic day that saw houses at Shauri Moyo police line and a police car burnt.
Community leaders urged for restraint and dialogue, appealing to both law enforcement and residents to avoid further bloodshed and work toward a peaceful resolution.